The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums

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William L Mizoguchi was an amazing director, he developed a unique filmmaking style that married criticism of domestic Japanese society and tradition to universal human themes, often to devastating effect. In the Story of the Last Chrysanthemum, Onoe is an arrogant kabuki actor born to a famed family within the profession, initially content to remain in oblivious bliss until the truth of his shortcomings are revealed to him by Otoku, an employee of his family's household. From there, Onoe must contend with disillusionment, his own arrogance, and self-determination in building a career on his own merits, while his own faults gradually erode his love for the ever-faithful and supportive Otoku, who travels with him despite his lack of initial success. Eventually, Otoku sacrifices their relationship and her own happiness to ensure that Onoe receives an opportunity at establishing himself in accordance with the wishes of Onoe's father and the conventions of Japanese morality (that's an actual sacrifice, LaLa Land). Their eventual reunion comes only while Otoku is on her deathbed, even then she beseeches Onoe to rejoin the parade celebrating his accomplishments, ever supportive. There are traditional elements (the son bristling under paternal authority, the unsanctioned lovers, etc.), but the power of the film is still very palpable. Though the particulars (the focus on kabuki theater, the intricacies of social structure, etc.) are unique to Japan, the characters and themes are very much universal; Mizoguchi was exceptional when it came to crafting empathetic, relatable human characters. Some of Mizoguchi's postwar work is probably a bit more well-realized, but the Last Chrysanthemum stands proudly on its own merits, boasting the director's traditional low, intimate shooting angles, the static camera and a distinctive tracking shot or two. (4.5/5) Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/21 Full Review william d This is a fine story of a young actor struggling to hone his craft while his family disdains the woman he loves. The 19th century Japan setting, as well as the Kabuki theater set pieces, make it all the more interesting. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A towering achievement, a tour de force of cinematic magic. A film that was ahead of it's time just as Jean Renoir and Orson Welles... The beautiful very long takes, one after another, were something never seen before 1939. One of the greatest films ever made. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review dustin d The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum is an amazing early movie from Kenji Mizoguchi. It is a relatable story of a privileged and egotistical youngster, who realizes he's a laughingstock, runs away and finds himself on a downwardly mobile path. It has a number of elements from the Hero's Journey (trail of trials, reconciliation with ogre father, master of two worlds). It is also a touching Japanese love story that likely wouldn't translate well trans-Pacific. (Western audiences would see Otoku as weak and subservient. Japanese audiences would see her as strong and self-sacrificing. The highly emotional final scenes would probably be inscrutable to Westerners as well.) Mizoguchi's roaming camera is also ahead of its time. Despite the grainy, washed-out print of this 80-year-old film, the cinematography gives it a surprisingly modern feel. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review s r 1001 movies to see before you die. A sad tragedy about Japanese actors, their love and struggle for familiar success. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review spencer p Tense drama and beautiful direction make this an essential early Japanese sound film. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums

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